sweet little things

Parting is such Sweet Sorrow

We had to say goodbye to another tree. A boxwood elder this time. Not the most charming of trees, I know, but a tree that provided habitat for birds, shelter and shade for people, and through the years became a visual anchor within its surroundings. For years now, we have been waffling about this tree (and another one exactly like it on the other side of the deck), always with mixed feelings. Because we love our trees. We really do.

Unfortunately, this tree was planted too close to the house decades ago (by someone else), and no amount of trimming could tame it. Plus there were other issues that created problems not easy to live with. Even so, given all that, it's still hard when you have to make the decision to cut any tree down. That part was done months ago. Giving us time to get used to the idea. Facing that decision yesterday was sobering.

Lately we've been having lots of tree issues, and not just with this one. Some appear to have bore-beetle infestations, and sap sucker damage; one gorgeous maple suddenly died without any sign of trouble. The arborists come and go, like good doctors making house calls. But trees are a funny lot. It's hard to decipher the signs and symptoms, and they are hard to treat. Eventually, we have to do what's best.

Looking on the bright side, and I am looking for the bright side...I just noticed that even on this gray November day, I have much more natural light in my sewing room. That's certainly a nice benefit. Would you look at that. I really can't believe that great big tree was growing out of that small planter, can you? From this angle, it's almost as if a tree was never there at all. But I know something is missing. And it is missed.

This photo taken last month, for the record. R.I.P. dear/terrible tree.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Moving on then...two brighter and happier things:

The cute cake Grace made for her sister's 13th birthday. No, I don't know why there are only ten candles. I guess that's all we had. Sometimes details get lost in the enthusiasm of a moment! No matter--it was still a party.

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Parting is such Sweet Sorrow

We had to say goodbye to another tree. A boxwood elder this time. Not the most charming of trees, I know, but a tree that provided habitat for birds, shelter and shade for people, and through the years became a visual anchor within its surroundings. For years now, we have been waffling about this tree (and another one exactly like it on the other side of the deck), always with mixed feelings. Because we love our trees. We really do.

Unfortunately, this tree was planted too close to the house decades ago (by someone else), and no amount of trimming could tame it. Plus there were other issues that created problems not easy to live with. Even so, given all that, it's still hard when you have to make the decision to cut any tree down. That part was done months ago. Giving us time to get used to the idea. Facing that decision yesterday was sobering.

Lately we've been having lots of tree issues, and not just with this one. Some appear to have bore-beetle infestations, and sap sucker damage; one gorgeous maple suddenly died without any sign of trouble. The arborists come and go, like good doctors making house calls. But trees are a funny lot. It's hard to decipher the signs and symptoms, and they are hard to treat. Eventually, we have to do what's best.

Looking on the bright side, and I am looking for the bright side...I just noticed that even on this gray November day, I have much more natural light in my sewing room. That's certainly a nice benefit. Would you look at that. I really can't believe that great big tree was growing out of that small planter, can you? From this angle, it's almost as if a tree was never there at all. But I know something is missing. And it is missed.

This photo taken last month, for the record. R.I.P. dear/terrible tree.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Moving on then...two brighter and happier things:

The cute cake Grace made for her sister's 13th birthday. No, I don't know why there are only ten candles. I guess that's all we had. Sometimes details get lost in the enthusiasm of a moment! No matter--it was still a party.